The University of Lagos Muslim Alumni (UMA) has reaffirmed its position as a major force in educational development and social intervention, electing a new National Executive Council to steer its affairs for the 2026–2028 tenure while unveiling a proposed ₦960 million student hostel and disbursing over ₦24 million in postgraduate scholarships and Zakat grants.

The developments formed the highlights of the association’s 37th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Elective Congress, held on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at the University of Lagos Mosque Islamic Centre, Akoka. The gathering, which blended physical attendance with virtual participation from across the globe, underscored UMA’s expanding role as a beacon of academic empowerment and social welfare rooted in Islamic values.

At the congress, award-winning sports journalist, columnist, and Executive Consultant at Complete Communications Limited, Dr. Mumini Alao, was returned as the National President of the association.

Presenting the report of the UMA Shurah Committee, its Chairman, Professor Luqman Adams, detailed the selection process that led to the nomination of the executive team. Prof. Adams revealed that the committee reviewed the association’s constitution, candidate eligibility, meeting attendance, and responsiveness to duty, while evaluating the performance of the outgoing executive. Crucial consultations were also held with the Elders in Council before finalizing the leadership list.

Commending Dr. Alao’s initial term, Prof. Adams described his stewardship as a “yeoman’s job” that delivered exceptional results for the Muslim community.

In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Alao offered praise to the Almighty, repeatedly declaring “Alhamdulillah” (All praise is due to Allah) for the grace to serve the Ummah. Reflecting on the 2024–2026 tenure, Alao noted: “About two years ago, we were given the mantle to steer the ship of our association. We thank Allah that we are berthing the ship today without any loss of life in our ranks.”

In line with the Islamic imperative of uplifting the less privileged and seeking knowledge (‘Ilm), the congress witnessed the presentation of ₦19.25 million in scholarships to the 2026 set of UMA postgraduate scholars, alongside ₦5.16 million distributed to beneficiaries of its Zakat and Sadaqat Fund .

Giving a breakdown of the association’s developmental strides, Alao disclosed that UMA raised over ₦100 million for its postgraduate scholarship scheme in 2025, the highest single-year generation in the initiative’s history. This facilitated awards to 23 scholars in one cycle, with an additional 28 candidates slated for approximately ₦20 million in awards for 2026.

To ensure long-term sustainability, the association has launched a ₦750 million Endowment Fund, which has already accumulated ₦130 million.

On welfare, the re-elected President emphasized that the ₦5.16 million Zakat disbursements directly benefited 23 needy members, with strict confidentiality maintained to preserve their dignity as prescribed by Islamic ethics.

Unveiling key priority projects for the 2026–2028 administration, Alao highlighted the proposed off-campus student hostel estimated at ₦960 million. The initiative follows preliminary architectural assessments led by Barrister Abdulfatai Owodunni and Architect A. A. Lawal to acquire, demolish and redevelop strategic properties near the Akoka campus after earlier joint-venture talks for on-campus renovation were discontinued.

Delivering goodwill messages, prominent alumni urged members to rally behind the infrastructure push. Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu (Ogun Central), a former UMA President, recalled early struggles of Muslim students accessing worship spaces on campus and urged members to view the hostel initiative as both a high-yield investment and a vital social intervention.

Echoing similar sentiments, Professor Khalid Adekoya and Professor Ismail Ibrahim commended the leadership structure and pledged the support of University of Lagos Consult toward advancing the project.

Alhaja Bilquees Adeokoya, Tutor-General and Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Education District, urged members to re-engage inactive alumni, while advocating for parental responsibility, academic integrity among youths, and environmental sustainability through waste composting.

The congress also featured a guest lecture titled “Unlocking Real Estate Opportunities Amid Lagos State’s Housing Deficit,” delivered by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Housing, Engr. Abdulhafis Gbolahan Toriola.

The 2026–2028 UMA Executive Council are: National President,  Dr. Mumini Alao; Vice President I (Akoka), Prof. Shakirudeen Odunuga; Vice President II (College of Medicine), Dr. Zainab Shogbesan Yisa; Secretary General, Alhaji Tajudeen Adebanjo; Assistant Secretary General, AbdulHakeem Olubunmi Qazeem; Public Relations Officer I (Akoka), Alhaja Dr. Bilqees Mopelola Oladunni Muhammad; Public Relations Officer II (College of Medicine), Dr. Aminat Adegoke; Financial Secretary, Taiwo Kuye, FCA; Treasurer, Alhaji Muftau Tijani; Internal Auditor, Babatunde Jamiu Yusuf; Welfare Officer I (Akoka), Prof. Taofeeqah Adesalu; Welfare Officer II (College of Medicine), Dr. Zainab Olaniyan; Legal Adviser, Dr. Issa Akanji Adedokun; Education Officer, Dr. Ibrahim Ayodele Shittu; and Ex-Officio Members: Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu and Prof. Khalid Adekoya